(Toronto) Experience the opening of an important Queen West art exhibit with a difference: the gallery is located in the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and all 50 artists selected for the show have
at one time or another received services from CAMH.
Produced by Workman Arts, a professional arts and mental health company, the Being Scene art exhibition opening on June 29 is a professionally-juried art exhibition featuring more than 60 works of visual art created
by current or former clients of CAMH. Lasting for a full year, Being Scene is displayed throughout the halls of three different CAMH locations, transforming the hospital into an art gallery—much to
the delight of its clients and staff.
The Being Scene show covers the entire spectrum in media and subject matter. Highlights this year include exceptional works in oil, acrylic,
ceramic, mixed media and photography. Hundreds of highly-skilled artists vie for spots in this exhibition yearly.
CAMH President and CEO Dr. Paul Garfinkel will officially open the exhibition. “CAMH strongly believes that the creative process
can lead people to recover strengths and a revitalized sense of self. Over the past seven years, we have shared the results
of this belief, by hosting Being Scene,” said Dr. Garfinkel. Among others speaking will be artist-in-resident Peter Smith.
Peter Smith studied art at the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) until his struggle with schizophrenia made it too
difficult for him to continue. Since receiving much-needed care and treatment, Peter has spent the last seven years growing
as a noted artist and a favourite among collectors. Today, his work can be found in private collections at the University
of Toronto, Ernst and Young and the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario’s Suite at Queen’s Park.
The Jean Simpson Studio, located at CAMH’s Queen Street site, provides much-coveted studio space with an abundance of natural
light for up to six artists at a time. Peter Smith’s new role as Artist-In-Residence at the Jean Simpson Studio enables him
to work closely with other artists and share his expertise and advice with others who share his passion for the arts.
“That’s the best part of my job,” says Peter. “It allows me to help others through my own experiences and learn from them
as well.”
This is the 7th Annual Being Scene exhibit, and it is firmly grounded in the Queen Street art scene.
Lupe Rodriquez, artist and lecturer, has once again assembled an esteemed jury to evaluate the more than 300 submissions that
the show receives. This year’s jury is comprised of Stephen Bulger of the nearby Bulger Gallery, Camilla Singh, Assistant
Director/Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA), and Stephanie Anne, an artist, business leader, trainer
and motivational speaker.
Come out and experience the most unique art show on Queen West.
The opening of the Being Scene exhibition takes place on June 29, 2006 from 1:00 to 2:00pm at 1001 Queen Street West (front
foyer) in Toronto.
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For more information, or to schedule an interview, media contact: Michael Torres, Media Relations Coordinator, 416 595-6015
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is a specialized teaching hospital fully affiliated with the University
of Toronto, and is the largest mental health and addiction facility in Canada. CAMH is also a Pan American Health Organization
and a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre.
Workman Arts is a not-for-profit professional arts company that promotes a greater understanding of mental illness and addiction
through the arts and supports individuals with mental illness and addiction in their artistic pursuits.